Inhalation aerosols offer a targeted therapy for respiratory diseases. However, the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled biopharmaceuticals is limited by the rapid clearance of macromolecules in the lungs. The ... [more ▼]

Inhalation aerosols offer a targeted therapy for respiratory diseases. However, the therapeutic efficacy of inhaled biopharmaceuticals is limited by the rapid clearance of macromolecules in the lungs. The aim of this research was to study the effects of the PEGylation of antibody fragments on their local residence time after administration to the respiratory tract. We demonstrate that the conjugation of a two-armed 40-kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain to anti-interleukin-17A (IL-17A) F(ab')2 and anti-IL-13 Fab' greatly prolonged the presence of these fragments within the lungs of mice. The content of PEGylated antibody fragments within the lungs plateaued up to 4hours post-delivery, whereas clearance of unconjugated proteins started immediately after administration. Forty-eight hours post-delivery, F(ab')2 and Fab' content in the lungs had decreased to 10 and 14 % of the dose initially deposited, respectively. However, this value was 40 % for both PEG40-F(ab')2 and PEG40-Fab'. The prolonged pulmonary residency of the anti-IL-17A PEG40-F(ab')2 translated into an improved efficacy in reducing lung inflammation in a murine model of house dust mite-induced lung inflammation. We demonstrate that PEGylated proteins were principally retained within the lung lumen rather than the nasal cavities or lung parenchyma. In addition, we report that PEG increased pulmonary retention of antibody fragments through mucoadhesion and escape from alveolar macrophages rather than increased hydrodynamic size or improved enzymatic stability. The PEGylation of proteins might find broad application in the local delivery of therapeutic proteins to diseased airways. [less ▲]

in American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2012), sous presse

Rationale: Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a prototypic Th2 cytokine and a central mediator of the complex cascade of events leading to asthmatic phenotype. Indeed, IL-13 plays key roles in IgE synthesis ... [more ▼]

Rationale: Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a prototypic Th2 cytokine and a central mediator of the complex cascade of events leading to asthmatic phenotype. Indeed, IL-13 plays key roles in IgE synthesis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, subepithelial fibrosis and eosinophil infiltration. Objectives: We assessed the potential efficacy of inhaled anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody Fab' fragment on allergen-induced airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in an experimental model of allergic asthma. Anti-IL-13 Fab' was administered to mice as a liquid aerosol generated by inExpose® inhalation system in a tower allowing a nose-only exposure. Methods: BALB/c mice were treated by PBS, anti-IL-13 Fab' or A33 Fab' fragment and subjected to ovalbumin (OVA) exposure for 1 and 5 weeks (short term (ST) and long term (LT) protocols). Measurements and Main Results: Our data demonstrate a significant anti-asthma effect following nebulization of anti-IL-13 Fab' in a model of asthma driven by allergen exposure as compared to saline and non-immune Fab fragments. In short and long terms protocols, administration of the anti-IL-13 Fab' by inhalation significantly decreased bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, BALF eosinophilia, inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and many features of airway remodeling. Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloprotease levels were significantly lower in lung parenchyma of mice treated with anti-IL-13 Fab'. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' significantly reduces airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. Specific neutralization of IL-13 in the lungs using an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' could represent a novel and effective therapy for the treatment of asthma. [less ▲]

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) constitute a family of endopeptidases related to matrix metalloproteinases. These proteinases have been largely implicated in tissue ... [more ▼]

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) constitute a family of endopeptidases related to matrix metalloproteinases. These proteinases have been largely implicated in tissue remodeling associated with pathological processes. Among them, ADAMTS12 was identified as an asthma-associated gene in a human genome screening program. However, its functional implication in asthma is not yet documented. The present study aims at investigating potential ADAMTS-12 functions in experimental models of allergic airways disease. Two different in vivo protocols of allergen-induced airways disease were applied to the recently generated Adamts12-deficient mice and corresponding wild-type mice. In this study, we provide evidence for a protective effect of ADAMTS-12 against bronchial inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. In the absence of Adamts12, challenge with different allergens (OVA and house dust mite) led to exacerbated eosinophilic inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in lung tissue, along with airway dysfunction assessed by increased airway responsiveness following methacholine exposure. Furthermore, mast cell counts and ST2 receptor and IL-33 levels were higher in the lungs of allergen-challenged Adamts12-deficient mice. The present study provides, to our knowledge, the first experimental evidence for a contribution of ADAMTS-12 as a key mediator in airways disease, interfering with immunological processes leading to inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. [less ▲]

Background:Overall clinical outcome for advanced lung cancer remains very disappointing despite recent advances in treatment. Curcumin has been reported as potentially active against cancer.Methods:Owing to poor curcumin solubility, we have used cyclodextrins (CD) as an excipient allowing a considerable increase of aqueous solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. The effects of solubilised curcumin have been evaluated in cell cultures as well as in an in vivo orthotopic lung tumour mouse model.Results:Cell proliferation was reduced while apoptosis rates were increased when lung epithelial tumour cells were cultured in the presence of curcumin-CD complexes. For in vivo experiments, cells were grafted into lungs of C57Bl/6 mice treated by an oral administration of a non-soluble form of curcumin, CDs alone or curcumin-CD complexes, combined or not with gemcitabine. The size of orthotopically implanted lung tumours was reduced upon curcumin complex administration as compared with treatments with placebo or non-solubilised curcumin. Moreover, curcumin potentiated the gemcitabine-mediated antitumour effects.Conclusion:Our data demonstrate that curcumin, when given orally in a CD-solubilised form, reduces lung tumour size in vivo. In vitro experiments show impaired tumour cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, our data underline a potential additive effect of curcumin with gemcitabine thus providing an efficient therapeutic option for antilung cancer therapy. [less ▲]

Asthma is a complex disease linked to various pathophysiological events including the activity of proteinases. The multifunctional A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) displaying the ability to ... [more ▼]

Asthma is a complex disease linked to various pathophysiological events including the activity of proteinases. The multifunctional A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) displaying the ability to cleave membrane-bound mediators or cytokines appear to be key mediators in various inflammatory processes. In the present study, we have investigated ADAM-8 expression and production in a mouse model of allergen-induced airway inflammation. In allergen-exposed animals, increased expression of ADAM-8 was found in the lung parenchyma and in dendritic cells purified from the lungs. The potential role of ADAM-8 in the development of allergen-induced airway inflammation was further investigated by the use of an anti-ADAM-8 antibody and ADAM-8 knock-out animals. We observed a decrease in allergen-induced acute inflammation both in BALF and the peribronchial area in anti-ADAM-8 antibody-treated mice and in ADAM-8 deficient mice (ADAM-8-/-) after allergen exposure. ADAM-8 depletion led to a significant decrease of the CD11c+ lung dendritic cells. We also report lower levels of CCL11 and CCL22 production in antibody-treated mice and ADAM-8-/- mice that might be explained by decreased eosinophilic inflammation and lower numbers of dendritic cells, respectively. In conclusion, ADAM-8 appears to favour allergen-induced acute airway inflammation by promoting dendritic cell recruitment and CCL11 and CCL22 production. [less ▲]

As asthma physiopathology is complex and not fully understood to date; it is expected that new key mediators are still to be unveiled in this disease. The main objective of this study was to discover ... [more ▼]

As asthma physiopathology is complex and not fully understood to date; it is expected that new key mediators are still to be unveiled in this disease. The main objective of this study was to discover potential new target proteins with a molecular weight >20 kDa by using two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) on lung parenchyma extracts from control or allergen-exposed mice (ovalbumin). Two different mouse models leading to the development of acute airway inflammation (5 days allergen exposure) and airway remodeling (10 weeks allergen exposure) were used. This experimental setting allowed the discrimination of 33 protein spots in the acute inflammation model and 31 spots in the remodeling model displaying a differential expression. Several proteins were then identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Among those differentially expressed proteins, PDIA6, GRP78, Annexin A6, hnRPA3, and Enolase display an increased expression in lung parenchyma from mice exposed to allergen for 5 days. Conversely, Apolipoprotein A1 was shown to be decreased after allergen exposure in the same model. Analysis on lung parenchyma of mice exposed to allergens for 10 weeks showed decreased calreticulin levels. Changes in the levels of those different mediators were confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Interestingly, alveolar macrophages isolated from lungs in the acute inflammation model displayed enhanced levels of GRP78. Moreover, intratracheal instillation of anti-GRP78 siRNA in allergen-exposed animals led to a decrease in eosinophilic inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study unveils new mediators of potential importance that are up- and down-regulated in asthma. Among up-regulated mediators, GRP-78 appears as a potential new therapeutic target worthy of further investigations. [less ▲]

in American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2010), 43(3), 286-95

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) recently appeared as key regulators of inflammation, allowing recruitment and clearance of inflammatory cells and modifying the biological activity of many peptidic ... [more ▼]

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) recently appeared as key regulators of inflammation, allowing recruitment and clearance of inflammatory cells and modifying the biological activity of many peptidic mediators by cleavage. MMP-19 is a newly described MMP and preferentially cleaves matrix proteins such as collagens and tenascin-C. The role of MMP-19 in asthma has not been described to date. The purpose of the present study was to assess MMP-19 expression in a murine asthma model and to address biological effects of MMP-19 deficiency in mice. Allergenexposed wild-type (WT) mice displayed an increased expression of MMP-19 mRNA and an increased number of MMP-19-positive cells in the lungs detected by immunohistochemistry. After allergen challenge of MMP-19 knockout (MMP-19-/-) mice, an exacerbated eosinophilic inflammation was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial tissue along with an increased airway responsiveness to methacholine. A shift towards increased Th2-driven inflammation in MMP-19-/- mice was demonstrated by 1) increased numbers of cells expressing the IL-33 receptor T1/ST2 in lung parenchyma, 2) increased IgG1 levels in serum and 3) higher levels of IL-13 and CCL11 in lung extracts. Tenascin-C was found accumulated in peribronchial areas of MMP-19-/- after allergen challenges as assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. We conclude that MMP-19 is a new mediator in asthma, preventing tenascin-C accumulation and directly or indirectly controlling Th2-driven airway eosinophilia and airway hyperreactivity. Our data suggest that MMP-19 might act on Th2 inflammation homeostasis through preventing tenascin protein accumulation. [less ▲]

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disease of airways. A network of reciprocal interactions between inflammatory cells, peptidic mediators, extracellular matrix components, and proteases is thought to be ... [more ▼]

Asthma is a complex inflammatory disease of airways. A network of reciprocal interactions between inflammatory cells, peptidic mediators, extracellular matrix components, and proteases is thought to be involved in the installation and maintenance of asthma-related airway inflammation and remodeling. To date, new proteic mediators displaying significant activity in the pathophysiology of asthma are still to be unveiled. The main objective of this study was to uncover potential target proteins by using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) on lung samples from mouse models of allergen-induced airway inflammation and remodeling. In this model, we pointed out several protein or peptide peaks that were preferentially expressed in diseased mice as compared to controls. We report the identification of different five proteins: found inflammatory zone 1 or RELM (FIZZ-1), calcyclin (S100A6), clara cell secretory protein 10 (CC10), Ubiquitin, and Histone H4. [less ▲]

in American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology (2009), 41(4), 449-58

Among proteases, metalloproteases are implicated in tissue remodeling, as shown in numerous diseases including allergy. ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) metalloproteases are implicated in ... [more ▼]

Among proteases, metalloproteases are implicated in tissue remodeling, as shown in numerous diseases including allergy. ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) metalloproteases are implicated in physiologic processes such as cytokine and growth factor shedding, cell migration, adhesion, or repulsion. Our aim was to measure ADAM-12 expression in airway epithelium and to define its role during the allergic response. To raise this question, we analyzed the ADAM-12 expression ex vivo after allergen exposure in patients with allergic rhinitis and in vitro in cultured primary human airway epithelial cells (AEC). Clones of BEAS-2B cells transfected with the full-length form of ADAM-12 were generated to study the consequences of ADAM-12 up-regulation on AEC function. After allergen challenge, a strong increase of ADAM-12 expression was observed in airway epithelium from patients with allergic rhinitis but not from control subjects. In contrast with the other HB-epidermal growth factor sheddases, ADAM-10 and -17, TNF-alpha in vitro increased the expression of ADAM-12 by AEC, an effect amplified by IL-4 and IL-13. Up-regulation of ADAM-12 in AEC increased the expression of alpha3 and alpha4 integrins and to the modulation of cell migration on fibronectin but not on collagen. Moreover, overexpression of ADAM-12 in BEAS-2B enhanced the secretion of CXCL1 and CXCL8 and their capacity to recruit neutrophils. CD47 was strongly decreased by ADAM-12 overexpression, a process associated with a reduced adhesion of neutrophils. These effects were mainly dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor activation. In summary, ADAM-12 is produced during allergic reaction by AEC and might increase neutrophil recruitment within airway mucosa. [less ▲]

Lungs are exposed to the outside environment and therefore to toxic and infectious agents or allergens. This may lead to permanent activation of innate immune response elements. A Disintegrin And ... [more ▼]

Lungs are exposed to the outside environment and therefore to toxic and infectious agents or allergens. This may lead to permanent activation of innate immune response elements. A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) and ADAMs with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) are proteinases closely related to Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). These multifaceted molecules bear metalloproteinase and disintegrin domains endowing them with features of both proteinases and adhesion molecules. Proteinases of the ADAM family are associated to various physiological and pathological processes and display a wide spectrum of biological effects encompassing cell fusion, cell adhesion, "shedding process", cleavage of various substrates from the extracellular matrix, growth factors or cytokines... This review will focus on the putative roles of ADAM/ADAMTS proteinases in airway diseases such as asthma and COPD. [less ▲]

Objective Animal models of asthma mimic major features of human disease. Since the genetic background of experimental animals might affect hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, we studied its potential ... [more ▼]

Objective Animal models of asthma mimic major features of human disease. Since the genetic background of experimental animals might affect hyperresponsiveness and inflammation, we studied its potential influence and the mechanisms leading to differences in strains. Methods We applied a mouse model of allergic asthma to BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Results BALB/c mice displayed greater levels of airway reactivity to methacholine than C57BL/6 mice. Moreover, BALB/c mice exhibited higher numbers of mast cells in lung tissue when compared to C57BL/6. On the contrary, eosinophil and neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as peribronchial eosinophilia were greater in C57BL/6. IL (Interleukin)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and CCL11 levels measured in whole-lung extracts were higher in BALB/c, while, in sharp contrast, CCL11 and CCL5 levels were higher in BALF of C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions We observed phenotypic differences between C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice in an asthma model with different distributions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells. [less ▲]

A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are a recently discovered family of proteins that share the metalloproteinase domain with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Among this family, structural ... [more ▼]

A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are a recently discovered family of proteins that share the metalloproteinase domain with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Among this family, structural features distinguish the membrane-anchored ADAMs and the secreted ADAMs with thrombospondin motifs referred to as ADAMTSs. By acting on a large panel of membrane-associated and extracellular substrates, they control several cell functions such as adhesion, fusion, migration and proliferation. The current review addresses the contribution of these proteinases in the positive and negative regulation of cancer progression as mainly mediated by the regulation of growth factor activities and integrin functions. [less ▲]

Objectives: The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) enzymes compose a family of membrane-bound proteins characterized by their multi-domain structure and ADAM-12 expression is elevated in human ... [more ▼]

Objectives: The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) enzymes compose a family of membrane-bound proteins characterized by their multi-domain structure and ADAM-12 expression is elevated in human non-small cell lung cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles played by ADAM-12 in critical steps of bronchial cell transformation during carcinogenesis. Materials and methods: To assess the role of ADAM-12 in tumorigenicity, BEAS-2B cells were transfected with a plasmid encoding human full-length ADAM-12 cDNA, and then the effects of ADAM-12 overexpression on cell behaviour were explored. Treatment of clones with heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) neutralizing antibodies as well as an EGFR inhibitor allowed the dissection of mechanisms regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: Overexpression of ADAM-12 in BEAS-2B cells promoted cell proliferation. ADAM-12 overexpressing clones produced higher quantities of HB-EGF in their culture medium which may rely on membrane-bound HB-EGF shedding by ADAM-12. Targeting HB-EGF activity with a neutralizing antibody abrogated enhanced cell proliferation in the ADAM-12 overexpressing clones. In sharp contrast, targeting of amphiregulin, EGF or transforming growth factor-α failed to influence cell proliferation; moreover, ADAM-12 transfectants were resistant to etoposide-induced apoptosis and the use of a neutralizing antibody against HB-EGF activity restored rates of apoptosis to be similar to controls. Conclusions: ADAM-12 contributes to enhancing HB-EGF shedding from plasma membranes leading to increased cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis in this bronchial epithelial cell line. [less ▲]

ADAMTS-1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), the first described member of the ADAMTS family, is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, its exact role in tumor ... [more ▼]

ADAMTS-1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), the first described member of the ADAMTS family, is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, its exact role in tumor development and progression is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ADAMTS-1 transfection in a bronchial epithelial tumor cell line (BZR) and its potential to modulate tumor development. ADAMTS-1 overexpression did not affect in vitro cell properties such as (a) proliferation in two-dimensional culture, (b) proliferation in three-dimensional culture, (c) anchorageindependent growth in soft agar, (d) cell migration and invasion in modified Boyden chamber assay, (e) angiogenesis in the aortic ring assay, and (f) cell apoptosis. In contrast, ADAMTS-1 stable transfection in BZR cells accelerated the in vivo tumor growth after s.c. injection into severe combined immunodeficient mice. It also promoted a stromal reaction characterized by myofibroblast infiltration and excessive matrix deposition. These features are, however, not observed in tumors derived from cells overexpressing a catalytically inactive mutant of ADAMTS-1. Conditioned media from ADAMTS-1–overexpressing cells display a potent chemotactic activity toward fibroblasts. ADAMTS-1 overexpression in tumors was associated with increased production of matrix metalloproteinase-13, fibronectin, transforming growth factor B (TGF-B), and interleukin-1B (IL-1B). Neutralizing antibodies against TGF-B and IL-1B blocked the chemotactic effect of medium conditioned by ADAMTS-1–expressing cells on fibroblasts, showing the contribution of these factors in ADAMTS-1–induced stromal reaction. In conclusion, we propose a new paradigm for catalytically active ADAMTS-1 contribution to tumor development, which consists of the recruitment of fibroblasts involved in tumor growth and tumor-associated stroma remodeling. [less ▲]

A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM) are transmembrane proteases displaying multiple functions. ADAM with ThromboSpondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) are secreted proteases characterised by thrombospondin (TS) motifs in their C-terminal domain. The aim of this work was to evaluate the expression pattern of ADAMs and ADAMTS in non small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) and to investigate the possible correlation between their expression and cancer progression. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on NSCLC samples and corresponding nondiseased tissue fragments. Among the ADAMs evaluated (ADAM-8, -9, -10, -12, -15, -17, ADAMTS-1, TS-2 and TS-12), a modulation of ADAM-12 and ADAMTS-1 mRNA expression was observed. Amounts of ADAM-12 mRNA transcripts were increased in tumour tissues as compared to the corresponding controls. In sharp contrast, ADAMTS-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in tumour tissues when compared to corresponding nondiseased lung. These results were corroborated at the protein level by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A positive correlation was observed between the mRNA levels of ADAM-12 and those of two vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A isoforms (VEGF-A(165) and VEGF-A(121)). Taken together, these results providing evidence for an overexpression of ADAM-12 and a lower expression of ADAMTS-1 in non-small-cell lung cancer suggest that these proteases play different functions in cancer progression. [less ▲]

ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) constitute a family of cell surface proteins containing disintegrin and metalloprotease domains which associate features of adhesion molecules and proteases ... [more ▼]

ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) constitute a family of cell surface proteins containing disintegrin and metalloprotease domains which associate features of adhesion molecules and proteases. ADAMTSs (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs) bear thrombospondin type I motifs in C-terminal extremity, and most of them are secreted proteins. Because genetic studies have shown that ADAM-33 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma, we designed this study to assess mRNA expression profile of several ADAM and ADAMTS proteases in sputum from patients with asthma and to investigate the relationship between expression of these proteases and asthma-associated inflammation and airway obstruction. mRNA expression profile of selected ADAM and ADAMTS proteinases (ADAM-8, -9, -10, -12, -15, -17, and -33; ADAMTS-1, -2, -15, -16, -17, -18, and -19), their physiological inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-3, and RECK, a membrane-anchored MMP activity regulator, was obtained by RT-PCR analysis performed on cells collected by sputum induction from 21 patients with mild to moderate asthma and 17 healthy individuals. mRNA levels of ADAM-8, ADAM-9, ADAM-12, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3 were significantly increased, whereas mRNA levels coding for ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-15, and RECK were significantly decreased in patients with asthma compared with control patients. ADAM-8 expression was negatively correlated with the forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV(1)) (r = -0.57, P < 0.01), whereas ADAMTS-1 and RECK expressions were positively correlated to FEV(1) (r = 0.45, P < 0.05, and r = 0.55, P = 0.01, respectively). We conclude that expression of ADAMs and ADAMTSs and their inhibitors is modulated in airways from patients with asthma and that these molecules may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma. [less ▲]